1999 Honda Prelude
(Base model - US Spec)_______________Video
Article written and
submitted by Jerry Huang
Introduction
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The Honda Prelude has been
just that - a prelude of technology from Honda Research
and Development to the mass consumer. In the 3rd generation
of the Prelude (1988-1991) came four wheel steering and
the 4th (1992-1996) generation added the innovative and
breathtaking VTEC as an option.
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The 5th (1997-2001) generation
is no different with the Active Torque Transfer System available
option for the Type SH model.
From http://www.honda2001.com
- Multiple sensors in the Type SH's Active Torque Transfer System
(ATTS) gauge the Prelude's cornering speed. A special differential
unit then applies more engine power to the outside wheel. This
helps reduce understeer for more handling precision while cornering.
ATTS operates as a smart limited-slip
differential by pushing the car harder on the outside of a turn
where power is truly needed and lost in most front-wheel drive
vehicles. Many racing enthusiasts who own a Type SH or have operated
one have stated that it's a front-wheel drive car, which drives
like a rear-wheel drive car.
My personal experience is from
driving the Base model, which has no ATTS unit. I'll divide up
my critique into functional aspects of the car.
Engine
VTEC is one of the most sophisticated
and highly advanced automotive engineering feats ever to exist.
It allows the small displacement of a four cylinder combustion
engine to produce 50+ horsepower per cylinder. VTEC is a computer
controlled mechanism which measures engine revolutions per minute
and the oil pressure and appropriately switches to the VTEC cam
- a much larger profile cam. What is produced is a kick and sudden
surge in torque as the RPMs race from about 5500 rpm to 7200 rpm
redline. The 2.2 liter, dual overhead cam Prelude (also known
by those who know - H22A4) engine comes standard with VTEC and
combined with a 10:1 compression ratio, a close 5-gear box, stiff
clutch, allows the Honda Prelude to easily reach 200 bhp and give
V8's a run for their money.
| What you'll notice about the
Prelude is that to reach maximum horsepower you will definitely
need to punch the car up to near redline. While it's fine
and dandy to be driving in traffic going under 4000 rpm, if
you want to spank some V8s you'll need to take the car to
the limit. The engine was designed to be a high revving machine. |
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For those interested, Honda makes
the Prelude in an Automatic Transmission version. It comes with
a 4 gear automatic transmission with Sport Shift. It's a pseudo-manual
transmission, which allows you to up and down shift between gears
without using a clutch. Although most performance enthusiasts
enjoy the freedom provided by a manual transmission, I have seen
some auto transmission Preludes wreak havoc on the racetrack.
FYI - the 1999+ models boast 5
more horsepower than the 1997 and 1998 models due to Honda's improvement
of the exhaust system.
Suspension and Braking
This area is where the Prelude
shines above the rest. The 4-wheel double wishbone suspension
coupled with lower stabilizing bars (front and rear!) reduce body
roll and make cornering quick, and most importantly predictable.
Due to the nature of front-wheel drive, understeer is noticeable
but minimal. Springs and dampers are tuned and match perfectly
allowing for a smooth ride as well as responsive in the hard corners.
For the weekend racer, there is no better car.
Brakes stop on a dime with very
little fade. ABS kicks in and if you're not used to it, it is
initially a disturbing experience. With more and more quick stops,
you'll realize ABS is a lifesaver allowing for later braking and
turning without locking the wheels. Unless you spend thousands
of dollars on brake upgrades, the stock pads, calipers, rotors,
and brake lines are the best you can get - many people have noticed
no appreciable difference in fade and brake distance when they
upgraded the brake system.
Aesthetics
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The interior
design of the Prelude could use some better touches. It's
all black interior and simple instrument display give
it a functional feeling but lacks the sophistication found
in a Celica or an Eclipse. But then again, who cares,
because you're going to strip everything out anyway and
turn it into a racecar!
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The rear seat is not really a rear
seat but just a bunch of padding for your backpack or roller blades.
The stereo system boasts an Acoustic Feedback system (AFBS). This
system uses microphones in the rear speakers to reduce distortion
and improve sound clarity. I discovered the heart of the AFBS
system and it's a little black box, which houses a small powered
amplifier. You will need to remove this system if you plan to
upgrade the stereo system.
Exterior is elegant. The Prelude
is well sculpted with smooth lines and curves at appropriate areas.
Headlights initially take time to get used to but soon realize
that they follow the contour and flow of the exterior. The OEM
16" wheels are just plain too small. Replacements should soon
follow if you have the cash.
Safety
Knock on wood. I've never had to
test this out and I hope I will never have to. I have heard many
horror stories about Preludes and their lead-footed drivers and
all of them have been fortunate. The Prelude comes with standard
crumple zones, 3 point safety harnesses, driver and passenger
airbag.
Aftermarket
The Honda Prelude has drawn much
attention from performance enthusiasts. With greater demand for
aftermarket products, vendors have begun engulfing the market
with performance, suspension, brake, and show parts. I could go
on forever about what is out there. Almost anything from body
kits to spoilers. From coilovers to those air ride suspension
(please don't get those unless you're only for show), and turbo
or supercharger kits. You'll be in good company if you plan to
upgrade your Prelude. In my opinion, if you truly plan to do autocrosses,
road races, and even drag races the #1 upgrade is tires/wheels.
Without high performance tires, all the power and suspension upgrades
will be inconsequential.
Complaints
While the Prelude is an engineering
marvel, as with any product improvements can be made. No complaints
can be made on the engine, transmission, or suspension. Everything
here is top-notch. My only complaints focus on the interior and
other aesthetic aspects. First, Honda needs to hire some more
creative interior designers. The interior requires major change
to it's "blah"-ness. A shorter shifter would be nice as well as
a more shallow clutch pedal. Ahh yes and move that damn cup holder.
I cannot drink a big gulp and shift properly. Also, Honda is notorious
for shallow wheel wells. The maximum tire size is 215 or 225 with
at most a 45 profile. Deeper wells allow for wider tires and larger
diameter wheels for racing.
Conclusion
The 1999 Honda Prelude (base) retails
at about $23,000-24,000 and the SH model reaches $26,000. Comparable
cars in this price range include the Toyota Celica, Mitsubishi
Eclipse GT, Ford Mustang GT, Camaro Z28 or SS, Acura Integra GS-R,
Acura Integra Type-R, Civic Si, and many others. Without a doubt,
the Honda Prelude excels the rest in performance and reliability.
Honda engines perform well under pressure and are made to last
well above 100,000 miles. My only other choice would be the Integra
Type R. This car is a high performance weekend racer and reliable
daily driver.
Drive hard and drive safe.
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